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Seniors apologize for vandalism

 

by Courtney Tedder

sports@reporterandfarmer.com

 

Seniors ­Gabrielle Snell, Mackenzie Kwas­niew­ski and Chase Sigdestad stood in front of the school board during their regular meeting Nov. 15.

Snell advised the school board that she and other seniors have reached out to local businesses around town to apologize for the vandalism that was caused during homecoming coronation.

Sigdestad said he reached out to Melissa Waldner in reference to the SDSU beam that was spray painted to apologize. Sigdestad stated Waldner told him it could be painted over but still expressed she was not happy about the situation.

Sigdestad cleaned off the ‘19 that was painted on the steps of the school, said Snell.

Kwasniewski asked the board if something could happen for the next class so they don’t get into trouble, such as a wall somewhere and that it is tradition.

President Mark Hanson told the three students their apology was accepted and that he knew it took a lot for them to stand up for what was done.

Board member Jamie Reetz said they are working on something for next year so students will have somewhere to paint their number.

Superintendent Jim Block said a student had approached him about doing an eagle scout project using a wall or the SDSU beam in reference to tagging the students had done.

Board member Joel Shoemaker said while he appreciates the apology it is never okay to destroy property. Board member Tom Sannes advised the students this may be a conversation they want to have with the city because of where the damage was.

Snell said along with the apology they have given local businesses they also have said they are open to whatever they need to do to fix everything.

Reetz had said he thinks the seniors want their privileges back and Hanson advised that is a decision that needs to be made by Block not by the school board.

Revised vaping policy

Block advised the board a policy in the manual has been revised due to the vaping problem they are battling. The policy now includes possession of vaping devices, oils for the devices and e-cigarettes.

Block stated it is now a tobacco violation. Sannes brought up a case he had been involved with where a gentleman had vaping oil that contained THC and could be looking at two years penitentiary time. Sannes advised it is a very serious matter even with just the liquid in their possession.

Block said he will go as far as telling the kids to empty their pockets if they believe they are in possession of any vaping materials but will always involve law enforcement.

The highway patrol came out at the request of the school and tested some of the oil per Block. He said the highway patrol said their test would change color if there was anything besides tobacco and thankfully it was negative.

Block also stated the school nurse could check some impairment by looking at the students eyes but that any suspicion will usually involve law enforcement.

The board cleared and went into executive session at 7:30 a.m. due to personnel matters.

In other matters:

Otter Tail had contacted Mines and donated an AED machine for the school.

Principal Craig Case advised the board that he wanted to give a shout out to the special education staff at Webster Area School as the state gave a score of 42/42 based off of 15 indicators within the special education program.

The security doors are up and being utilized at this time. Business Manager Lori O’Farrell, Block and Case agree it is a transition but believe signs will help point visitors at the school in the right direction on how to use the new security system.

The next regular school board meeting will be held Dec. 10.